Carlos Alcaraz reveals why he doesn't always fly first class

Despite his status as one of the world's most significant athletes, Carlos Alcaraz provided a nuanced answer about flying first class on planes.

Alcaraz travels worldwide for tournaments, meaning he consistently gets on planes. He believes the schedule is too intense, and has called for the season to be shortened and/or for there to be fewer mandatory tournaments.

His lifestyle and the current calendar length mean Alcaraz takes a few dozen flights a year. Therefore, choosing the best arrangements to be comfortable when flying is important and must be managed.

In an episode of a production on which he collaborated with ElPozo Alimentacion, Alcaraz was asked if he flies first class. The Spaniard answered that he flies in business class for long flights when extra comfort is needed.

Rather than always flying first class because of his celebrity status and having the financial means to do so, Alcaraz said that he tends not to if the journey does not take more than a few hours.

Alcaraz's answer might surprise some. Some fans probably assumed that all players at the very top always fly first class and would not be interested in ever sacrificing their own luxury for a flight of any length.

Although a six-time Grand Slam champion at 22 and already one of the most entertaining players in tennis history, Alcaraz remains grounded by his family and seems to think practically.

Despite his interesting answer to the flight question and staying grounded, Alcaraz is open about enjoying making money as a player. Many like the ATP world No. 1's honesty, and there is nothing wrong with his mindset.

Alcaraz's best chance of earning a considerable amount in prize money is at this week's Six Kings Slam in Riyadh. He withdrew from the 2025 Shanghai Masters a few weeks ago, but has flown out to Riyadh for the exhibition.

In last year's maiden iteration, Jannik Sinner defeated Alcaraz to win an incredible $6,000,000. That remains the highest prize money amount ever awarded to a man or woman at a tennis event.

$6,000,000 is the prize on offer again this year. Alcaraz, Sinner, Novak Djokovic, Taylor Fritz, Alexander Zverev, and Stefanos Tsitsipas will compete for that astounding prize money in Saudi Arabia.

Novak Djokovic and Alcaraz get byes into the semifinals, while Sinner will face Tsitsipas, and Fritz will play Zverev. All men are guaranteed at least $1,500,000 for participating, regardless of how far they go at the event.

Sinner retired at the Shanghai Masters against Tallon Griekspoor after suddenly cramping up, and Djokovic struggled physically in his semifinal against the eventual champion, Valentin Vacherot. Both will play at the Six Kings Slam, unsurprisingly given the financial reward just for appearing.